ICC Women’s World Cup 2017: Pakistan vs West Indies, preview and likely XI: PAK still in hunt for opening win

With the battle for the semi-final spot getting intense with each passing match, it’s time for another thriller, as Pakistan get set to take on West Indies in match 21 of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2017 at the Grace Road stadium in Leicester on Tuesday. Pakistan, who are still in hunt for their opening win of the tournament, have played five matches so far, and are out of the race for the semi-final. Same is the case for West Indies, who too have managed just a win from the five games, and are in the sixth spot in the table, while Pakistan sit at the bottom. Although this match is a dead rubber for both the sides, an intense encounter can actually not be ruled out, with the two sides having nothing to lose. ICC Women’s World Cup 2017, Points Table, Team Standings & Match Results

Considering their performances in the previous tie, Pakistan lost to New Zealand by eight wickets, while West Indies registered their only win of the tournament so far in their last tie against Sri Lanka, beating them by 47 runs. As for Pakistan, they were bowled out for a paltry total of 144, courtesy skipper Sana Mir’s 50. They could not do much with the ball, as New Zealand chased the total down comfortably, while Diana Baig and Nashra Sandhu were the only wicket-takers for Pakistan, claiming a wicket each.

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As for West Indies, they managed to put up an average total of 229 for the loss of nine wickets, courtesy Merissa Aguilleira’s unbeaten 46 and Deandra Dottin’s 38. They put up a commendable performance with the ball as well, as it was Anisa Mohammed’s three-wicket haul, followed by Afy Fletcher and Shanel Daley’s two-wicket haul that did the damage to the Sri Lankans. Therefore, considering this tie, West Indies seem to have finally found the winning combination and would most likely stick with the same squad. WWC17: WI know how important next 2 games are, says Taylor

West Indies likeky XI: Merissa Aguilleira (wk), Deandra Dottin, Kyshona Knight, Anisa Mohammed, Stafanie Taylor (c), Shanel Daley, Kycia Knight, Afy Fletcher, Hayley Matthews, Chedean Nation, Akeira Peters.

As for Pakistan, changes are again likely to happen, as top-order-batter Marina Iqbal could well be replaced for her poor performance in the last game, followed by Javeria Khan and Nain Abidi, who could face the same. In the bowling, Kainat Imtiaz could be the one who could face the axe, but then again, it was a combine effort from the Pakistan bowlers, and the department could be left untouched.

Pakistan likely XI: Sana Mir (c), Javeria Khan/Waheeda Akhtar, Nain Abidi/Sadia Yousuf, Diana Baig, Nahida Khan, Iram Javed, Marina Iqbal/Ghulam Fatima, Sidra Nawaz (wk), Ayesha Zafar, Nashra Sandhu, Kainat Imtiaz.

With the game being held at Grace Road, the pitch is likely to remain on the slower side again. Therefore, an extra spinner would be a valuable option for both the sides. Also, the rain could play a big factor. Therefore, the side winning the toss would definitely be looking to bat first.

Suqads:

Pakistan: Ayesha Zafar, Nahida Khan, Marina Iqbal, Javeria Khan, Nain Abidi, Sana Mir (c), Iram Javed, Kainat Imtiaz, Sidra Nawaz (wk), Nashra Sandhu, Diana Baig, Waheeda Akhtar, Ghulam Fatima, Sadia Yousuf, Asmavia Iqbal.

West Indies: Hayley Matthews, Kycia Knight, Stafanie Taylor (c), Chedean Nation, Deandra Dottin, Merissa Aguilleira (wk), Kyshona Knight, Shanel Daley, Afy Fletcher, Akeira Peters, Anisa Mohammed, Felicia Walters, Subrina Munroe, Qiana Joseph, Reniece Boyce.